SIMODEC Slideshow
Simodec—the International Screw-Cutting Machine Tool Show. It is the European version of the U.S. PMTS and has been held in France since 1954.
In the last couple of editions of the Simodec show, increasingly robots and application of them have been on display. This year’s exhibit was no exception.
In the metrology area of Simodec, Mitutoyo demonstrated its Legex series of table top CMMs. These are CNC machines designed for precise measurement where needed in the shop.
If it looks like a Brownie, that’s not an accident. DMG showed its new MSL single spindle machine to the folks at Simodec. Unabashedly based on the classic Brown & Sharpe design, they have high hopes for this machine in the US.
If you haven’t heard of ISO 16232, get ready. It’s a post wash standard that requires counting and documenting of particles on precision cleaned parts. Ultra-sonic equipment maker Amsonic showed a joint development with Olympus that helps automate the process.
Simodec was worth the trip. Over the years its become like a reunion with the added benefit of benchmarking the precision machined parts industry from a different perspective.
Business was brisk in the Star booth. No, the open bar had nothing to do with it. These visitors were just resting after seeing the new Ecas 20T and numerous other Swiss-type machines on display.
Cleaning up our messes is more critical now than ever. But even more critical is keeping the clean-up clean. Durr’s hydro-carbon vacuum part’s cleaning system produces virtually no waste for disposal.
This nifty machine from Emissa was producing stem winders for Rolex watches. It was running them 5-up using flat bar stock. In the US these machines are marketed by Pibomulti (Auburn Hills, Michigan).
Goltenbodt was in machine tool accessory heaven at such a dedicated show as Simodec. Machine mock-ups helps visitors see products installed.
With its usual comprehensive display, Index was celebrating 30 years of operation in France. Among the numerous machines, the new A-line of single spindle production lathes received much attention. Look for these cool machines in the US.
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Schutte’s newest CNC multi-spindle, the SCX, was in motion and attracting crowds like its EMO debut. I was told it will be shown at IMTS—check it out.
It’s nice to see a friendly face. Partmaker’s Hanan Fishman (right) made the trip to exhibit at Simodec along with Chris Wright from Delcam England. The marriage between these two companies is going well Hanan says. One of the benefits of hooking up with Delcam was manifested in the French language brochure for Partmaker he showed me.
Stama was running production on its MC 526. It’s a twin spindle VMC set up with an auto-loader feeding forged blanks.
Pietro Cucchi told us their new single bar feeder is doing very well. I found it interesting that the machine it was feeding was co-branded Manurhin and Tajmac-ZPS.
As it hopes to replace the thousands manual automatics in the field, Tornos thinks the Micro line of CNC Swiss-types is the answer. They’re fast, flexible and affordable.
Off the shelf automation is available with this Iemca gantry loader. Designed to load/unload lathes, grinders and machining centers it also can palletize parts and perform post-process gaging. It doesn’t physically touch the machine tool so no vibrations are transferred from the loader’s movements.
In its usual position at the foot of the stairs and its trade mark yellow, nobody missed the Horn booth. And rightly so, this company is cranking with a new plant under construction and celebration of 10 years marketing and manufacturing in the US. Good stuff from these folks.
Scoop and you saw it here first! French rotary transfer machine builder, Wirth & Gruffat, showed a prototype of its new Swiss-type machine, the TAM 7. It’s a departure for this venerable builder. The company hopes to have it in production by the end of this year.
